Jillian & Christian: Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm Wedding

What a day! Saturday was so so so amazing! I got to spend it with Jill & Christian and their closest friends and family at Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm and with a reverse timeline and I absolutely loved it. When Jillian first met with me and told me she wanted to have her ceremony at Dusk I was a little confused as to how she would make it work, but it did and I couldn’t be any happier with how it all turned out.

I started my day with the boys at one of the groomsmen’s house and it started with a frazzled bang, if that makes any sense. I arrived to find the boys in a small room all getting dresses, to which I moved them into a larger room to give them a little more breathing room. They then told me there was a mess up with the suit rental place and they had given them the wrong shirt for one of the guys, so they spent the morning trying on each others shirts to see if they had just gotten mixed up and even after all that it wasn’t resolved. So they messaged one of their wives and got them to run back to the store and pick up two new shirts and to the rescue they went! The ladies got back in time with the new shirts, which ones sleeves were just a little too short but it had to work, they had no choice at that point. After a couple drinks, a hang out session in the backyard with Bear & Lilly (two adorable teacup yorkie doggies) we had to get our butts out of there because the limo arrived and I had to head over to the girls!

The boys had run about 10mins late due to the whole shirt debacle which made me a little late so when I arrived at Jill’s home the girls opened the door with a very happy look and a big ole ”finally”. We had plenty of time for the getting ready so nobody was stressed, the girls were hanging out in their robes and drinking what I believe to be mimosas. Jillian walked me up to her dressing room (yes dressing room, which was super pretty and I WANT ONE), to show me her wedding dress and veil and OMG it was sooo pretty and totally not what I expected. She shows me this beautiful tulle gown with a gorgeous off the shoulder strap in the softest blush colour. To make it better, she got a custom made veil in blush to top it off, how gorgeous?! She also had this beautiful bouquet made by Capital Florists and it was so elegant and just perfect to match Jillian’s dress and theme. After a period of questions like whether or not someone wears pasties, where are the panties, what bags do we need to bring, a first look with her girls and quick spraying of static guard, it was time to be on our way! We were only running behind by like 25mins, which is normal right?

We arrived at Stanley’s and Christian was already tucked away ready for his first look with Jill. I caught up with him and we chatted about how excited he was, how glad he was to be in the shade, I even asked him what he thought Jill’s dress would look like (he was wrong on all accounts). We waited for a about 10+mins and when we were wondering what was taking so long, we heard Jillian’s laugh from across the lot and we realized it was time, she was on her way! Christian stood on this tiny bridge (really tiny compared to his 6’4” frame) while Jill walked up behind him. She paused for a moment and held his hand then quickly wrapped her arms around him. I’m sure the wait was killing him at this point. He turned to look at her and the biggest smile came across his face. It was the look of love, but not only that, it was like he was seeing her for the first time and falling in love with her all over again.

We then wandered around the property looking for all that gorgeous fairytale light Jillian was dying to get. And boy did we get it! These two were just completely natural in front of the camera and didn’t need my direction at all. I would tell them were to go and get them in a starting position and they would just run with it. In their little loved up bubble, giggling, kissing, and just having a great time. Bugs kept getting up in Jill’s dress which I was quick to attempt to get out but they would just keep going back in. I think I was more stressed about it then Jill was haha. She was honestly the most laid back bride I’ve ever had which made for such a lax day and I think with the heat we had, we needed that relaxed feeling. After a few more photos I ran into the reception space to get a few photos and then we were off to get Bridal party photos and family photos.

Jillian really wanted to get married in Savannah, Georgia for the beautiful Tree tunnels and you really can’t blame her, it’s absolutely stunning down there! But obviously we were not in Savannah BUT, Stanley’s did have a nice tree lined drive way type area so we made so magic under the trees. I’d like to point out that yes the boys look dapper, but look at the ladies! They looked phenomenal, and those dresses?! It all worked so well together. Another example of how Jillian is a nonchalant bride. She gave them the colour palette and said; ” Pick a dress you like as long as they’re in this palette.” and they did damn good. We had some fun in the grass and finished things off with a walk arm in arm. After a few family photos we headed inside for a private dinner.

The reception space was beautifully decorated with simple white linens accented with greenery and candles. Photos of the couples engagement session could also be found all over the space with little touches from Jill like a sign that read; ” Gimme Gimme Smores” with small smores packets for the fire later that evening. There was also cupcake towers with their design imitating their invitations with the sky at twilight and an ornamental tree. The 24 guests sat at a long harvest table with our bride and groom in the centre and enjoyed their dinner before the ceremony. While I was photographing the space I noticed these little black smocks on the chairs and I was curious as to why they were there. Turns out it was for the wedding party to wear during dinner so they didn’t ruin their clothes before the ceremony! How genius was that? Especially since dinner was BBQ style buffet with absolutely delicious pulled pork.

During this portion of the day there were a few short speeches and I think the one that stood out the most was when two of Jill’s bridesmaids got up to speak. Liane & Kristen spoke beautifully about their friend of 20+ years but it’s when Kristen said she would try and get through the speech without crying, and then burst into tears that got me laughing. It also made Jill cry instantly and it was just a blubber fest after that. They also surprised our bride and groom when Ashley & Mila got up to join them and they did a choreographed danced to Bruno Mars. Jill got up and hugged each girl individually as they laughed but Kristen was still crying and it triggered Jill to cry again and they ended up using her smock to wipe away their tears. The couple and I took a few more minutes as guests started to arrive to sneak away and get a few more photos while the sun was setting. And as quickly as the day came, so did the ceremony.

The ceremony was held on the grass and under a beautiful large tree. The aisle, which started at the reception space and ended at said tree, was lined with candles in white shades and clear votives with floating candles. It was very romantic and the perfect setting for Jill & Christian’s dream wedding. The sun was low and twilight was upon us as the wedding party made their way down the aisle. Christian awaited his bride impatiently and as he saw her turn the corner, the biggest smile came across his face. And it was like he saw her for the first time that day. For those of you who think a first look ruins that magical moment, you’re so so wrong. There was no shortage of love happening as these two met at the end of the aisle. The ceremony was beautiful of course but my favourite part had to be their personalized vows. More specifically a line from Jill’s vows. Something you need to know, if you don’t know Jillian, is that this girl SHINES. She has a huge personality, an even bigger laugh and she just radiates joy. She’s basically what I would call a unicorn (I consider myself a unicorn, we’re a lot to deal with). Not everyone can handle a unicorn, we’re loud personalities and we can be a little different. But Christian chose to spend his life with this unicorn. The line from her vows was; ”Thank you for never dulling my sparkle.” The second she said this, I started to cry. There are no better words to describe his love for her. He let’s her shine and doesn’t shy away from it. I’m actually tearing up as I write this because THAT is love. After lots of crying and an epic kiss, these two were husband and wife and they jiggled their bums down the aisle to the music in Jill’s head and to grab their champagne.

So quick little funny from the story below. There are a lot of animals on the property which is really fun. During the ceremony though the Goose in the barn decided to quack? Honk? whatever the noise it makes, it decided to do it during Christian saying his vows and very loudly might I add. Needless to say, everyone burst out laughing including our bride while Christian tried to keep his composure.
Jill, Chris and I took a  few moments before heading into the ceremony to get some photos done in twilight. Jillian really wanted to take one on the swing and with the aisle lit up and it was soooo worth it. We got these dreamy photos that I hope they are as in love with as I am.

My evening ended right after speeches by the parents, bride and groom and of course the dances. The bride and groom had an amazing time with all their guests surrounding them and sharing in their love. When I met these two a couple years ago in Punta Cana, I could tell that their love was the magical fairytale type of love and I knew their personalities would make for an amazing day. Needless to say, when they booked me for their big day I was super excited. And now that it’s said and done, I’m still excited about it! It was really a special day for them as well as for me and I am forever grateful to have been able to capture it. Thank you a million times over for sharing your crazy ideas with me and letting me tag along this this journey with you. I hope married life is as magical as the days before your wedding xox ♥

Vendors:
Makeup Artist: Noah V. of One Fine Beauty
Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal
Flowers: Capital Florist
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Tip Top Tailors
Jewellery: AJ Horton
Venue: Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm
DJ: DJ lucid
Photography: Samantha Danis Photography